Yakima man shot near Sunnyside

A 23-year-old Yakima man was shot yesterday, Tuesday, after he met with a group of people in the 1700 block of Randel Road near Sunnyside.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. last night the victim, identified as Alfred Prather, was brought to the Toppenish Hospital emergency room. The person with Prather told hospital staff the victim had been hit by a car. The witness then left the hospital.

Police say during the course of treating the victim hospital staff found that Prather has suffered several gunshot wounds. Prather was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Toppenish police and sheriff's deputies viewed security camera footage from the hospital and were able to identify the witness, who was located about 1 a.m. this morning (Wednesday). Interviews with the witness led deputies to Randel Road.

The witness told police he was with the victim when Prather said he had to meet someone. They drove to Randel Road and met an unknown number of subjects in two other vehicles. Shortly after arriving, the victim was shot while outside of the car. Prather might have been struck by one of the other vehicles as people left the scene, police say. It is not known what led to the shooting.

An autopsy will be scheduled at a later date. Police say further information will be released as it becomes available.

In other sheriff's news in the Lower Valley since yesterday, deputies have dealt with one runaway juvenile, one weapon violation and recovered one stolen vehicle.